What Is Beheneth-30?
Beheneth-30 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching about thirty units of ethylene oxide to behenyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that often comes from plant oils such as rapeseed or peanut. This process, called ethoxylation, turns a naturally waxy material into a smooth, water-friendly substance. Chemists began exploring ethoxylated fatty alcohols in the mid-20th century when the beauty industry was looking for gentler ways to blend oil and water in creams and lotions. Thanks to its reliable performance and mild feel, Beheneth-30 quickly found a place in everyday personal care formulas. You will most often spot it in facial cleansers, hydrating lotions, rich creams, hair conditioners, sheet masks, makeup removers and sunscreen emulsions where it helps keep textures stable and pleasant.
Beheneth-30’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and hair care Beheneth-30 delivers three main jobs that improve how a product works and feels:
- Cleansing – Its partly water-loving, partly oil-loving structure lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup so they can be rinsed off without leaving skin tight or squeaky
- Cleansing – Within shampoos and body washes it helps produce a soft lather that carries grime down the drain while staying gentle on skin and hair
- Emulsifying – It binds oil and water into a uniform mix preventing separation and giving creams, lotions and sunscreens a smooth, consistent texture that spreads easily
Who Can Use Beheneth-30
Because Beheneth-30 is considered a mild, non-ionic surfactant most skin types can tolerate it, including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin. People with extremely dry or compromised skin might notice a slight increase in dryness if a formula contains a high level of this cleansing agent, though this is uncommon in leave-on products where Beheneth-30 usually plays a supporting role.
When sourced from plant oils such as rapeseed or peanut and processed without animal derivatives Beheneth-30 is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal origin is a concern check with the brand since behenyl alcohol can, in rare cases, come from animal fats.
Current data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Beheneth-30 is used topically in cosmetics. This information is for general knowledge only; anyone who is expecting or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider for personal assurance.
Beheneth-30 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with UV exposure. It is also fragrance free and gluten free which may be relevant for individuals monitoring those factors.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Beheneth-30 differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities not probabilities; most users experience none of them when a product is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin stinging or redness
- Temporary dryness or tightness
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to fatty alcohols or ethoxylated ingredients
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If discomfort, rash or any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Beheneth-30 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol that stays mostly on the surface and is often used at modest levels, especially in rinse-off products. Its large, water-friendly structure makes it unlikely to lodge inside pores, so the risk of clogging is minimal.
Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing Beheneth-30 without added concern.
Keep in mind that any ingredient can feel heavier if used at very high percentages or in a very rich base, so overall formula design matters as much as the raw material itself.
Summary
Beheneth-30 acts as a gentle cleanser, a mild foam booster and an emulsifier that locks oil and water together. It performs these roles thanks to its split personality structure: one end loves oil, the other loves water, which lets it lift grime then rinse clean and keep creams, lotions and sunscreens smooth.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline maker. It is common in everyday cleansers and moisturizers because it is reliable, easy to formulate with and cost effective, though you may not see it featured in marketing copy.
Current research shows Beheneth-30 to be low risk for irritation or pore blockage when used in standard cosmetic doses. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing a new product for a couple of days is a smart habit.